Rhonda Lynn Emerson, age 54, of McCook, Nebraska passed away on December 23, 2017 at her home in McCook due to complications from ALS.

Rhonda was born October 11, 1963 to parents Richard L. Propp and Kathleen A. (Boyer) Propp. She attended school in Culbertson, Nebraska graduating with the class of 1981. She continued her education at McCook Community College, McCook, Nebraska, graduating in 1983 with an Associate of Arts Degree in Fine Arts, graduated Suma Cum Laude. In 1985, she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Kearney State College, Kearney, Nebraska, graduated Magna Cum Laude.

On March 27, 2010 she married the love of her life, Gregg Emerson, in the United Methodist Church in Culbertson, Nebraska.

Rhonda's vibrant style, magnetic personality, and ability to love everyone she met gained her many friends, which is a quality we will never forget. She was always jovial with a smile and words of encouragement for all. She loved camping and hanging with her Friday night friends. Rhonda loved family gatherings and treated all of her nieces and nephews as her own. Her birthday was not just October 11, but a month long celebration. Rhonda's spirit and artwork will continue to live on in our hearts.

Rhonda was a gifted artist and used her talents in work, family and play. Rhonda's artistic ability was displayed through her activity in community theater, college theater and high school theater, winning many awards in her acting career. She participated in numerous plays and was often selected as the lead role. Those who love her know that she was an actress on and off the stage.

Her successful career involved working at the local news paper, radio advertising, Co-Owner of Creative Edge Printing & Graphics and later some freelance graphic art work. Many of the logos you see around the community were designed by Rhonda.

Rhonda was baptized and confirmed in the United Methodist Church in Culbertson, Nebraska.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her father, Richard Lee Propp; her paternal grandmother, Lydia Harris; maternal grandparents, Ben and Retha Boyer; and a special great aunt and uncle Jake and Lydia Propp.

Rhonda is survived by her husband, Gregg Emerson, of McCook: step-son, Cody (Kay) Emerson and children Hendrix and Remington of Lawrence, Kansas; step-daughter, Stephanie (Matthew) Emerson-Belville and children Samantha and Matisen of Grand Island, Nebraska; mother, Kathleen and step-father, Kenneth Jankovitz of Culbertson, Nebraska; two sisters, Kalyn and husband, Jerry Ruzicka of McCook, Nebraska, Karla and husband, David Polly of McCook, Nebraska; two brothers, Kerwin and wife, Mindy Propp of Culbertson, Nebraska, Scott and wife Tarasa Propp of Trenton, Nebraska; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

A funeral service will follow the visitation, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with the Rev. Jerry Ruzicka officiating. Burial will follow in the Culbertson Cemetery in Culbertson, Nebraska.